Abstract: Disclosed is a radioisotope generator useful in the process of eluting a daughter radioisotope from an adsorbed parent radioisotope. The radioisotope generator comprises a column containing carrier material adapted to adsorb the parent radioisotope and including an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening of the column is connected to a tapping point on the generator by an eluate conduit, the tapping point adapted to receive an evaluated elution vial so that a liquid eluate containing the daughter radioisotope can be obtained from the generator under vacuum. The generator further includes a device for interrupting the elution process before the elution vial is entirely filled while simultaneously exposing the generator to sterile air both in the direction of the generator column and of the elution vial.